The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Chronic Itching (Pruritus)

Causes, evaluation, and treatment approach for itching lasting longer than six weeks and impairing quality of life.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Chronic Itching (Pruritus)?

Chronic pruritus (itching) is defined as the sensation causing a person to scratch, lasting longer than 6 weeks. It can originate from dermatological, systemic (kidney, liver, endocrine, hematologic), neurological, and psychogenic causes.

Dermatological causes include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, scabies, lice, insect bites, contact dermatitis, and xerosis (dry skin). Systemic causes include chronic renal failure (uremic pruritus), cholestasis, hyperthyroidism, lymphoma (Hodgkin), polycythemia vera, and HIV.

Detailed history, physical examination, and laboratory tests directed at the cause are required for diagnosis. Treatment targets the underlying cause; symptomatic control is achieved with topical and systemic agents.

Symptoms

Continuous or episodic itching
Excoriation and lichenification of skin due to scratching
Itching often increasing during sleep
Pure pruritus with no skin findings
Xerosis and dry skin
Localized persistent itching on scalp, back, or legs
Sleep disturbance and anxiety due to itching

Risk Factors

Advanced age (xerotic skin)
Chronic renal failure and hemodialysis
Chronic liver diseases and cholestasis
Thyroid disorders, diabetes
Hematologic diseases (Hodgkin lymphoma, polycythemia)
Atopic background
Psychological stress and anxiety disorders

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Itching lasting longer than six weeks and progressively increasing
  • Itching that awakens and disrupts sleep
  • If weight loss, fever, or night sweats are accompanied
  • Systemic symptoms such as jaundice, edema, weakness
  • Detailed investigation for unexplained widespread itching

Treatment Methods

01
Investigation and treatment of the underlying cause
02
Topical moisturizers and mentholated formulations
03
Topical corticosteroids (on inflammatory backgrounds)
04
Oral antihistamines (especially sedative agents)
05
Gabapentin, pregabalin (neuropathic itching)
06
UV phototherapy and biologic treatments (in selected cases)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dermatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Dermatoloji

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease commonly seen especially in children, flaring with genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Psoriasis

Dermatoloji

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which skin cells proliferate rapidly when the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, leading to thick scaly lesions.

Acne

Dermatoloji

Acne is a skin disease resulting from clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, commonly seen in adolescence but can occur at any age.

Rosacea

Dermatoloji

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory facial skin disease characterized by recurrent flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia, and inflammatory papules and pustules. Phymatous change and ocular involvement may complicate advanced disease.

Urticaria (Hives)

Dermatoloji

Urticaria is a skin condition with sudden pink-red wheals and intense itching that may follow an acute or chronic course.

Skin Fungal Infections

Dermatoloji

Skin fungal infections are common, contagious skin diseases caused by dermatophytes and yeast fungi colonizing the upper layers of the skin.

Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Dermatoloji

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss that can be genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, or nutritional; early intervention can slow progression.

Vitiligo

Dermatoloji

Vitiligo is an acquired autoimmune disease in which CD8+ T cells destroy melanocytes, producing well-demarcated depigmented patches. Early, sustained treatment can induce repigmentation and prevent progression; psychosocial impact warrants holistic care.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.